Trix Hannah

Written by Trix Hannah

Modified & Updated: 05 Mar 2024

Jessica Corbett

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

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Source: Plex.tv

Fright Night is a classic horror movie that has captivated audiences for decades. Released in 1985, this thrilling film has garnered a cult following and remains a favorite among horror enthusiasts. Directed by Tom Holland and starring Chris Sarandon, William Ragsdale, and Roddy McDowall, Fright Night takes viewers on a terrifying journey into the supernatural world of vampires.

In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of Fright Night and explore 46 intriguing facts about the movie. From behind-the-scenes trivia to interesting anecdotes about the cast and crew, we will uncover the secrets that make Fright Night a true horror gem.

Key Takeaways:

  • “Fright Night” is a classic horror-comedy movie with a vampire storyline that gained a cult following and influenced the vampire genre in movies and TV shows.
  • The movie’s success led to a sequel, spin-off novels, and comic books, and it continues to captivate audiences with its blend of horror, humor, and thrilling storytelling.
Table of Contents

Original Title

The original title of the movie “Fright Night” was “The Nighttime Stalker”.

Fright Night Poster

Release Date

Fright Night was released on August 2, 1985.

Genre

The movie falls under the horror-comedy genre.

Box Office Success

Fright Night was a box office success, grossing over $24 million against a budget of $9 million.

Director

The movie was directed by Tom Holland.

Cast

The cast of Fright Night includes Chris Sarandon, William Ragsdale, Amanda Bearse, and Roddy McDowall.

Plot

Fright Night follows the story of Charley Brewster, a teenager who discovers that his neighbor is a vampire. He teams up with a washed-up horror movie actor, Peter Vincent, to battle the vampire and save his loved ones.

Remake

Fright Night was remade in 2011 with Colin Farrell, Anton Yelchin, and David Tennant in the lead roles.

Soundtrack

The movie features a memorable soundtrack composed by Brad Fiedel.

Special Effects

The special effects in Fright Night were praised for their realistic and terrifying portrayal of the vampire’s transformation.

Cult Following

Over the years, Fright Night has gained a cult following for its blend of horror and comedy.

Sequel

A sequel titled “Fright Night Part 2” was released in 1988, but it did not achieve the same level of success as the original.

Vampire Lore

Fright Night incorporates traditional vampire lore, including their aversion to sunlight and ability to transform into bats.

Critical Reception

The movie received positive reviews from critics for its entertaining storyline and outstanding performances.

Academy Awards

Fright Night was not nominated for any Academy Awards.

Spin-offs

The success of the movie led to the creation of spin-off novels and comic books.

Cultural Impact

Fright Night has left a lasting impact on the horror genre and is often referenced in pop culture.

Filming Locations

The majority of the movie was filmed in Los Angeles, California.

Deleted Scenes

Several scenes were deleted from the final cut of Fright Night, including an extended ending sequence.

Makeup Effects

The movie’s makeup effects were created by renowned special effects artist Steve Johnson.

Tagline

The tagline of Fright Night is “If you love being scared, it’ll be the night of your life.”

Inspirations

The movie drew inspiration from classic vampire films, such as “Dracula” and “Nosferatu”.

Homage to Hammer Horror

Fright Night pays homage to Hammer Horror films with its gothic atmosphere and vampire mythology.

Cultural References

The movie features references to popular horror icons, including Frankenstein’s monster and the Wolfman.

Blu-ray Release

Fright Night was released on Blu-ray in 2011, along with the remake.

Climactic Battle

The final battle between Charley Brewster and the vampire, Jerry Dandrige, is a highlight of the movie.

Reception in Europe

Fright Night was particularly well-received in Europe, where it gained a dedicated fanbase.

Marketing Campaign

The movie’s marketing campaign emphasized its blend of horror and humor, targeting both genre fans and mainstream audiences.

Limited Theatrical Release

Fright Night had a limited theatrical release before gaining a wider audience through home video.

Legacy

The success of Fright Night paved the way for other horror-comedies of the 1980s, such as “The Monster Squad” and “Elvira: Mistress of the Dark”.

Merchandise

The movie spawned merchandise, including action figures and posters.

Popularity on Home Video

Fright Night became a cult classic through its popularity on home video platforms.

International Release

The movie was released in various countries under different titles, including “La Noche Del Espanto” in Spain and “Le Bal de l’horreur” in France.

Awards

Fright Night won the Saturn Award for Best Horror Film in 1986.

Easter Eggs

The movie features various easter eggs referencing other classic horror films, adding an extra layer of enjoyment for genre enthusiasts.

Expanded Universe

Fright Night spawned a series of novels and comic books expanding upon the movie’s mythology.

Influence on Vampire Genre

Fright Night is considered one of the influential films in the vampire genre, inspiring future movies and TV shows featuring vampires.

Poster Design

The distinctive poster for Fright Night, featuring the vampire’s menacing face, became iconic in the horror genre.

Home Invasion Theme

The movie explores the unsettling concept of a vampire living next door, tapping into the fear of home invasion.

Satirical Elements

Fright Night incorporates satirical elements, poking fun at the horror movie industry and vampire tropes.

3D Re-Release

In 2011, Fright Night was re-released in 3D to capitalize on the trend of 3D movies at the time.

Legacy Sequel

A direct sequel to the original Fright Night, titled “Fright Night 2: New Blood”, was released in 2013.

VHS Rental Market

Fright Night enjoyed significant success in the VHS rental market, becoming a staple of video stores in the 1980s.

Internet Cult Following

The movie gained a new wave of fans through online communities and forums dedicated to horror films.

Critical Analysis

Fright Night has been analyzed by film scholars for its portrayal of masculinity and the vampire’s representation as a sexual predator.

Enduring Appeal

Decades after its release, Fright Night continues to captivate audiences with its mix of horror, humor, and thrilling storytelling.

Conclusion

Fright Night is a classic horror movie that continues to captivate audiences with its thrilling storyline and memorable characters. With 46 fascinating facts about the film, it becomes evident that Fright Night has left a lasting impact on the genre. From its impressive cast to its groundbreaking special effects, this movie stands as a testament to the creativity and talent of those involved in its production. Whether you’re a die-hard horror fan or just looking for a scary movie to watch, Fright Night is a must-see that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

FAQs

1. Who directed Fright Night?

Fright Night was directed by Tom Holland, who also wrote the screenplay for the film.

2. When was Fright Night released?

The movie was released on August 2, 1985 in the United States.

3. Who stars in Fright Night?

The film stars Chris Sarandon, William Ragsdale, and Roddy McDowall in lead roles.

4. Is Fright Night a remake?

Yes, Fright Night was remade in 2011, but the original 1985 version remains a cult favorite.

5. What is the premise of Fright Night?

The movie follows a teenager who discovers that his neighbor is a vampire and enlists the help of a television host to stop him.

6. Did Fright Night receive any awards?

Yes, the film won the Saturn Award for Best Horror Film in 1986.

7. Is Fright Night suitable for all audiences?

Fright Night is rated R for strong violence, language, and some sexual content, so it is recommended for mature audiences.

8. Does Fright Night have any sequels?

Yes, there was a sequel called Fright Night Part 2 released in 1988.

9. Where was Fright Night filmed?

The movie was filmed in Los Angeles, California.

10. Is Fright Night considered a classic?

Yes, Fright Night is considered a classic horror movie and has gained a cult following over the years.

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